To enlist in the U.S. Army, you must be between 18 and 35 years old (17 with parental consent). You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. A high school diploma is preferred, but a high school equivalent such as the GED may be accepted. You must also pass the ASVAB test and a physical fitness exam. Some jobs may have additional requirements.
Eligible college students can participate in their school's ROTC program or attend a military academy to enter the Army as officers after graduation. |
To join the Marine Corps, an individual must be between 18 and 29 years old (17 with parental consent) and have a high school diploma. A small percentage of GED holders may be allowed to join each year, provided they score well on the ASVAB test.
College students wishing to train for Marine Corps officer positions may enroll in their school's Navy ROTC program as a Marine-option midshipman or should visit their local Officer Selection Officer (OSO) for information. |
To join the U.S. Navy, you must be between 18 and 34 years old (or 17 with parental consent). A high school diploma is preferred, but a high school equivalent such as the GED may also be accepted. All Navy recruits must take the ASVAB test to determine placement within the Service. Interested college students are encouraged to investigate the Navy ROTC program. Rigorous physical and classroom exercises transform civilians into Sailors and prepare them for their first tour of duty.
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To join the Air Force, you must be between 18 and 27 years old (17 with parental consent). While exceptions are sometimes made for candidates with GEDs or other high school equivalents, high school diplomas are preferred. As in most Service branches, the ASVAB test is used to match recruits with jobs. Officer candidates are required to take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). Qualified college students wishing to train as officers should consider Air Force ROTC or the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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To join the Coast Guard, you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien between 18 and 27 years old (17 with parental consent). While GEDs are sometimes accepted, high school diplomas are preferred. All recruits take the ASVAB test to determine placement. Those interested in becoming officers may apply to the Coast Guard Academy or talk to their local recruiter about other options.
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ASVAB Test
To join the military you must first take a test called the ASVAB (The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). Your score on this test will determine what careers in the military might be available to you. Scores from your 11th grade forward can be used, and you can retake the test. Be sure to check out the sample questions and read more about the cutoff scores for the military career you might be interested in on Today's Military. The battery takes approximately three hours to complete, and test results are returned to schools in a few weeks.
The ASVAB consists of the following eight individual tests:
The ASVAB consists of the following eight individual tests:
- General Science
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Word Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Electronics Information
- Auto and Shop Information
- Mechanical Comprehension